Languages

Nigeria

This article covers the ibos, the Tivs, the Idoma and Beroms of Nigeria. The author offers various definitons of customary law and then examines customary practices like payment of bride price, widowhood practices, property rights wife inheritance , etc and how they affect the enjoyment of of fundamental human rights of women.

In this paper the authors argue that ownership without independent rights is in the final analysis, no ownership at all and make the case for independent land rights for women. In the case of Muslim women who already enjoy (nominal) rights to own land, they argue for independent rights in order to enable them to be in a position to make decisions on the use, disposal and acquisition of this resource. For non-Muslims without ownership rights, they argue that demands for ownership have to go hand in hand with independent rights on matters of usage and disposal (i.e. control).

This monograph describes Nigeria’s social structure, the basis and nature of Nigeria’s harmful traditional practices, and problems faced by women both in the context of female genital mutilation and patriarchy.

Health workers say an apparent rise in contraceptive use in Nigeria stems largely from a willingness by traditional and religious leaders in some regions to use their influence in promoting reproductive health. In the predominantly Muslim north, where contraceptive use has historically been far lower than the national average, the support of traditional leaders has helped change attitudes in communities where contraception was long regarded as taboo. Alhaji Sani Umar, district head of Gagi District, Sokoto State, in northwestern Nigeria, works with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) to advocate reproductive health in his community.

Question Presented:Is the hadd punishment for zina the proper sharia punishment for an unmarried pregnant girl, who claims that the pregnancy resulted from unwanted sexual relations with three men in an arrangement made by her father as payment for his debt?

This article gives an explanation of the different varieties of FGM and puts it in historical context. It then goes into the various beliefs that underlie why this practice is carried out; all of whose foundations are patriarchal. The author explains how the practice of FGM can risk a woman health, and she then gives recommendations as to how to halt the practice.

This situation statement discusses manifestations of violence against women in Nigeria, as well as addressing cultural and religious beliefs that contribute largely to Nigerian women’s situation. It states that some of these beliefs have been practiced for so long that they are embedded in the societal perception almost as legal norms. Sexual assault, rape, forced marriage, widowhood rites, and FGM are discussed in detail, as well as the effects of Shari’a courts and implementation of ‘customary’ laws.

Notable in this report is that the Special Rapporteur is of the opinion that punishments such as stoning or amputation constitute treatments that are contrary to universally recognized norms prohibiting torture and other degrading, cruel and inhuman treatment or punishment. Stoning is prohibited in absolute terms by various international conventions such as Article 7 in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a state party (Paragraph 12.)